Leading Edge (First year)

Purpose
Are you ready to Lead?! This program will kick off with a two day retreat January 25-26, 2013 and end in April with a special recognition dinner with the Chancellor. After the retreat, we will embark on a semester long journey of leadership development especially designed for our newest Tigers. We will meet in 7 sessions on Thursdays from 6-7:30 pm in the LSU Student Union.

Leading Edge offers training and development for aspiring leaders in their first year at LSU. Gain confidence in your leadership ability and "find your niche" at LSU through interactive leadership activities, guest speakers and service projects.

Goals
• Introduces first year students to leadership opportunities at LSU
• Fosters an environment where first year students can grow as leaders
• Introduces students to resources both on and off campus that can help develop their leadership skills
• Teaches students to impact change in the LSU community and beyond

Participant Criteria
• Be a student in your first year at LSU (first year student or new transfer student)
• Be in good standing with the University (no probations, suspensions, etc.)
• Be enrolled as a full time student (at least 12 credit hours)
• Be interested in getting involved in an organization
• Be available for meeting times in the  spring semester

Program Format
In order for all students to emerge from the program with the skills and confidence to be leaders, it is important that students attend all sessions and the retreat.  While there may be opportunities outside of the dates below, these are the critical dates that all students will need to plan to attend as a part of Leading Edge 2013.
• Welcome Reception: Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 6-7 PM
• First Meeting: Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 6-7 PM
• Off-Site Retreat: Friday, January 25 – Saturday, January 26
• Thursday Leadership Seminars: January 31, February 7, 21, 28, March 14, 21, 28
• Closing Reception with the Chancellor: April 2013  (More information to come.)

How to Apply
Applications are available online by clicking here and are due no later than Monday, November 12, 2012 at 4:30 PM.  Please note that you may only complete the application form once.
After you submit your application, please will review it and notify you by Monday, November 16, 2012 of your selection status.  If you have questions along the way, please contact Nick Crifasi (ncrifa1@lsu.edu) the Student Developer of Leading Edge.

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CALLING ALL PEER MENTORS!!
Being a peer mentor for Leading Edge is a great way to further your own leadership experience at LSU.  We need all sophomores, juniors and seniors who are involved in student organizations, have a passion for working with new students, and truly want to mentor peers this Spring semester.  If this sounds like you, please complete the online application by clicking here.

Applications are due by Monday, November 12, 2012 at 12:00 PM.  We will review your application as it is received and contact you for an interview.  Interviews will be held November 12-15, 2012. If you have questions along the way, please contact Nick Crifasi (ncrifa1@lsu.edu) the Student Developer of Leading Edge.

NOTE:  Peer Mentors will be required to attend a 4 - hour training on January 18, 2013 and will be responsible for leading large and small group activities throughout the Leading Edge program.  Peer Mentors will need to be available for all dates listed below and some additional meetings throughout the Spring.
• Welcome Reception: Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 6-7 PM
• First Meeting: Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 6-7 PM
• Off-Site Retreat: Friday, January 25 – Saturday, January 26
• Thursday Leadership Seminars: January 31, February 7, 21, 28, March 14, 21, 28
• Closing Reception with the Chancellor: April 2013  (More information to come.)

For more information about any aspect of Leading Edge, contact Rachel Spencer, Assistant Director of Campus Life at 578-5160 or rspencer@lsu.edu.